Royals select pitcher in first round

Ashe Russell, a high school pitcher from Indianapolis, was the Royals’ first selection in the Major League Baseball draft.

Russell, a 6-4, 195-pounder, was the 21st overall pick.

He went 5-1, with a 1.05 ERA for Cathedral High. In 41 innings, Russell struck out 67 and walked nine. He was chosen the Indiana Gatorade player of the year in 2014 and 2015.

Russell told MLB.com that he didn’t work out for the Royals. “I know they’re on the come up with all the young talent,” Russell said.

The 21st position was the latest the Royals had selected in the draft since 1986. They have great success in the first round in recent years. On the current roster, Alex Gordon, Luke Hochevar, Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer and Christian Colon were first-round picks.

Last year, the Royals hit pay dirt with their first selection, left-handed pitcher Brandon Finnegan from TCU. Finnegan made his major-league debut late in the season and became the first player to play in the World Series and the College World Series in the same year.

Representing the Royals at the draft were Art Stewart, senior adviser to general manager Dayton Moore and legendary scout, and former Royals outfielder Johnny Damon.

This story was originally published June 8, 2015 at 9:17 PM with the headline "Royals select pitcher in first round."